The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks entered Sunday’s game 3 1/2 games apart in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the gap between the two teams may be greater than the standings show based on the Knicks’ 140-106 win over the Bucks at Madison Square Garden.

Jalen Brunson scored 44 points (5 of 10 on 3-pointers) with five rebounds and six assists to lead New York. The Knicks also had a star performance from Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 30 points and 18 rebounds.

Brunson might have scored 50 points if he hadn’t left the game with an apparent shoulder injury in the third quarter. He appeared to be injured in a collision with AJ Green on the way to the basket. Brook Lopez also made contact in the lane, but didn’t appear to hit the right shoulder, which Brunson grabbed in pain.

The Knicks point guard walked into the locker room, striking fear into the home crowd. But he soon returned to the game to loud cheers and chants of “MVP.” But with a 30-point lead, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau retired his starters and Brunson didn’t get a chance to go to 50.

Thibodeau told reporters after the game that Brunson suffered a “sting” and was fine.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 24 points and 13 rebounds, followed by 22 points from Damian Lillard and 16 from Khris Middleton off the bench. But the Knicks’ increased depth overwhelmed the Bucks, especially as Cameron Payne contributed 18 points in reserve while shooting 4-for-7 on 3s.

Thibodeau was pleased with how the Knicks bounced back from their 25-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

“I thought it was a good response in all areas, fought hard on both sides of the ball and played with good pace in transition and in the half court,” he said. “We knew it would be a challenge that would require multiple efforts, and I thought we responded positively.”

With the win, the Knicks improved to 26-14 and retained third place in the East. The Bucks fell to 20-17 and finished in fifth place, a half-game behind the Orlando Magic and 4 1/2 behind New York.

The Knicks host the Detroit Pistons on Monday for the second part of a back-to-back game. Milwaukee hosts the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday and faces the Magic on Wednesday.